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GOAT MEDICAL INFORMATION

Kids coming in February, 2015. I recommend
that you email us to be added to our goat waiting list.

Disclaimer: Below is a hodge podge of information that I put together for
myself. It is basic information that I have found on the internet, through
my
vets, or personal experience.

Foot Rot (Hoof Rot)

Symptoms: Lameness, a distinctive bad odor and rough, ragged, broken sides
and sole of hoof. Wet, dirty soil encourages the problem and once the
ground becomes contaminated, infections spreads. Prevention includes keeping
hooves trimmed and the barnyard well drained and clean. If barnyard is
contaminated, remove the goats for a month or more, broadcast lime generously
and wait until the bacteria dies off. Treatment for foot rot consists
of trimming away the rotted parts of the hoof. This may need to be done
gradually until all the diseased portions have been eliminated. During
treatment use Hoof 'n Heel or Kopertox topically to help heal and strengthen
the hoof. Antibiotic injections may be necessary. give 4 1/2 cc of tetracycline
or 5 cc of penicillin every 3 days for a total of three injections.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a serious health problem. If not diagnosed early and treated
aggressively it can result in costly medical bills, permanent damage to
the udder, decreasd milk production and in sever cases, even death. Inflammation
occurs when bacteria, viruses and the like invade the udder and/or mammary
glands.

The best prevention is cleanliness. Keep the barn and barnyard clean
at all times. Practice clean milking habits. Keep the udder well trimmed,
wash teats and udder thoroughly with Udder Wash and always milk with
clean, dry hands. Use a strip cup for the first few steam of milk and examine
closely for flakes or strings. Always milk gently and do not over milk.
Wipe the teats clean after milking and apply Fight Bac to teats. It's
inexpensive, highly effective and easy to use. Test the milk once a
week
with mastitis cards. Early diagnosis is your best chance for successful
treatment.

Symptoms of mastitis include a decrease in milk production, flakes or
strings on the strip cup screen and a hot, swollen, red udder. Blook
in the milk may also be a symptom. The CMT kit can also be used if
a problem
shows up on the strip cup screen.
Mastitis treatment may include antibiotic injections as well as antibiotic
teat infusions. Apply hot packs twice a day for 10 minutes and gentle
massaging with peppermint oil to increase circulation. More frequent
milking may also be helpful.

Goat Serum Concentrate is very effective in treating mastitis. give
a 10 cc Sub Q two days in a row and during those two days do a 15
CC teat
infusion of the Concentrate after each milking.

Several conditions warrant the use of medications infused directly into
the teat. This procedure, called intramammary infusion involves implanting
an antibiotic medication such as "Tomorrow" when drying off a lactating
does and "Today" for treating mastitis. Goat Serum Concentrate can also
be infused for treating mastitis as an alternative to antibiotics. We emphasize
the importance of cleanliness in this procedure to avoid the introduction
of dirt and bacteria into the teat. Neosporing antibacterial ointment is
excellent for lubricating the cannula for easy insertion. Partial insertion,
just beyond the sphincter muscle is correct. Full insertion can disrupt
the kerating plug encouraging further bacterial infection.

Bloat

When excessive amounts of gas collect in the rumen as a result of
overeating new grass or pasture that is wet, bloating may occur. It is
visible as swelling on the left side back by the hip bone at the end of
the rib
cage.
A goat with bloat will show signs of severe distress, grunting, slobbering,
much restless activity, and labored breathing.

Bloat can be prevented by feeding high quality hay prior to allowing
them out to eat new, green moist grass. Check the eating area
for poisonous vegetation and increase the pasturing time gradually.

Treatment must be immediate. A veterinarian will be able to
take the necessary measures to alleviate the problem. The usual
procedure
is to
pass a cath tube (Save a Kid Syringe) down into the rumen. The
will bring immediate relief if the problem is just gas. If the problem
is frothy
bloat it will be necessary to introduce one to one and a half
cups
of mineral or vegetable oil into the stomach through the tube.

Prevention
comes in the form of careful supervision of the amount and type of green
vegetation eaten. This is a serious health
risk and death
can occur quickly so don't wait to call for help.

Scours (Diarrhea)

Scours need immediate attention because of dehydration, weakness and
sudden death. We give a 10 cc sub Q injection of Goat Blood Serum to the
newborns
as soon as they are born to avoid scours in kids. Bottles and nipples must
be washed thoroughly after each use. Probios gel is excellent for balancing
the good bacteria in the system and often can be used to correct a problem
if caught right away. A severe worm infestation can also cause scours and
worm medication must be given as well as something to stop the diarrhea.
Medications used for humans, such as Keopectate works great.

Coccidiosis

Diarrhea, weight loss and arrested growth in kids age 3 weeks and older
may be the first signs of coccidiosis. Testing a stool sample may reveal
coccidiosis to be the cause but remember, something as simple as change
of diet, indigestion, or too much milk or solid food at a feeding can
also result in diarrhea. More serious causes for such symptoms may be
a worm overload, E.Coli or even enterotoxemia. It's vital to know what
your dealing with before you start treating so you don't give inappropriate
medications.

Coccidia, the protozoal parasite that causes coccidiosis, is bree specific.
Of the numerous coccidia protozoa specific to goats, only 4 types cause
goats to get really sick. The good news is that a mild (subclinical)
case of coccidiosis will give protective immunity. A full blown (clinical)
infection attacks the intestinal lining causing inflammation and much
discomfort. If profuce bleeding ensues, death can occur from blood loss.
Other causes of death from coccidiosis are dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance
and acidosis. Sadly, serious (clinical) infections can leave intestinal
scarring and stunted growth due to poor digestions and nutritional mal-absorption.

Preventative measures:

Coccidiosis is a kind of man-made problem since it is most prevalent under
conditions of over crowding and lack of good hygiene. Under such conditions,
the coccidia oocyst is actually ingested and coccidiosis occurs. This becomes
a vicious cycle that is hard to break.

Following a well planned prevention program with the kids is important.
Starting at 3 weeks of age, (timing is critical) we mix 1/2 cc of
Di-Methox 40% in
their milk ration twice a day for one week. This particular form of Di-Methos
is a concentrated IV medication but given in very small dosage orally,
seems to really ward off any problems. After the initial week's regimen,
we continue
to give them a 1/2 cc dose once a week till they are weaned.

The addition of a coccidiostat suc as decoquinate (Deccox), when
mixed in the food ration or loose minerals has proven to be effective
preventative.

Control and treatment for coccidiosis:

Areas where infected animals have been confined must be thoroughly cleaned
before the oocysts can multiply. Coccidia is a tough organism
that can survive most disinfectants and harsh cold weather conditions.
Given the right environment,
(warmth and moisture) a full blown outbreak can occur in as short
a
time as 3 days.

Keep food off the ground. Feeders should be at a height where
goats cannon defecate or urinate in them.

Treatment includes oral dosages or anti-diarrhea medicine as frequently
as needed to avoid dehydration. Give Nutri-Drench, a concentrated
vitamin/mineral supplement to restore nutrition losses. A 10cc Sub
Q injection of Goat SErum Concentrate (or Bovi Sera) two days in a
row will boost the compromised immune system.

Sulfadimethoxine (Di-Methox 12.5%) can also be given orally by mixing
1-1/2 tablespoons of Di-Methox with 1-1/2 tablespoons of water and
administer directly into the mouth with a Drench syringe. This should
be done once a day for five consecutive days.

Amprolium (Co-Rid) is not recommended for goats. The huge doses necessary
for the effective treatment of coccisiosis in goats (10 times the cattle dose)
creates a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency that results in the goat contracting
polio.

Ketosis (Pregnancy Toxemia)

Occurs within the last few weeks of pregnancy. Common symptoms include loss
of appetite, spastic motion, twitching ears and inability to stand. Labored
breathing, coma and death can result. Starting 2 weeks prior to kidding
add a heaping teaspoon of Gener-VNC to the daily grain ration. This
will provide a gram of naicin to avoid Ketosis. Also, provide a sufficient,
balanced diet with no sudden or drastic changes, high quality hay and at
least a half pound of grain daily and at regular hours. Exercise is also
essential to build strong bodies and good appetites. At the onset of any
symptoms the Gener-VNC and several pumps orally of Nutri Drench daily
can reverse the condition.

Supplies for prevention and treatment: Gener-VNC and
Nutri Drench.

Sore Mouth

A common goat problem especially with nursing kids. The good news is that once
a goat has contracted it (usually for a couple of weeks), they never get
it again. The sores and eventual scabs usually form around the mouth, eye lids
and teats. The mouth sores inhibit eating so you must give special attention
to individually feeding the ones that won't eat on their own. Treat the sores
by cleansing and applying an antibiotic ointment. Scratch type vaccine????

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL)

Topical treatment involves keeping the disease controlled by lancing and cleaning
out the abscesses when they are "ripe" and covering the site with
antibacterial ointment. Actually only a small percentage of lumps are CL.
Several laboratories
make custom CL vaccine that is safe and effective for goats.

Urinary Tract Calculi

This is primarily a problem for the male and occurs most often in castrated
bucks. Calculi builds up to obstruct the flow of urine and the results are
fatal. Symptoms to watch for are stretching and straining while trying unsuccessfully
to urinate and other stress related signs such as total loss of appetite,
withdrawl, distress and subsequent death. Dietary guidelines include very
limited grain ration, added salt to encourage water intake, as well as supplements
such as ammonium chloride to acidify the urine and free choice minerals.
In the case of wethered males, urinary tract growth is arrested at the time
of castration leaving the adult goat an inadequate means for eliminating
the waste and an invitation for calculi to form. Delay castration as long
as possible to allow proper growth of the urinary tract, provide free choice
minerals at the proper calcium to the photphorous ratio, add ammonium chloride
to the minerals or ration and supply plenty of clean fresh water.

Feeding a feed that is low in calcium will decrease
the chances of developing urinary calculi. Additionally, Ammonium Chloride
is used for the prevention and treatment of urinary calculi in male goats.
Some feeds contain ammonium chloride so check the label.

Ammonium Chloride doses:
Prevention dose: Top dressing 1 tsp. per 150 pounds (goat weight) on your goat's
food per day.
Treatment dose: 1 Tbs. per day.
Caution: Ammonia toxicity can be a potential problem, however the oral dosing
of ammonium chloride to treat urinary calculi is a desperation effort. Therefore,
the risk of ammonia complications may be tolerable in light of impending death
if urine flow is not reestablished.
One pound bag contains about 105 tsp. (41 Tbs.)

Shipping Fever Complex

Goats are stressed when they are moved. Stress causes immune system suppression
and with the immune system compromised any number of awful problems quickly
develop. Some common symptoms that are contagious to the rest of your goats
include: pink eye, pneumonia, scours and mastitis. A suppressed immune system
is an invitation to more serious conditions such as CAE and CL. Administering
10 cc Sub-Q injection of Goat Serum or Bovi Sera before and after any move
virtually takes the worry out of buying, selling and showing goats. These
serums give a tremendous boost to the immune system, thus eliminating the
danger of shipping fever.

Milk Fever

A blood calcium deficiency in does just before, during and just after kidding.

Causes: Excessive calcium intake that exceeds her needs and the needs of her
unborn kids. When the demand for calcium suddenly increases for milk production
a hormone that hinders the release of calcium from her bones results in the
depletion of blood calcium resulting in milk fever.

Prevention: Lower the intake of calcium during the last 30 days of pregnancy
until just before kidding. This is accomplished by eliminating alfalfa from
the diet. If this is not possible, be sure the grain mix has no calcium additives.
If feeding only grass hay, the grain mix should have a small percentage of
added calcium.

Selenium Deficiency

If necessary, administer injectable Bo-Se before breeding and 4 to 6 weeks
prior to birthing. Kids can be treated at birth and at one month of age. Treat
bucks twice a year. The adult goat dosage is 1 to 2 times that of sheep and
for normal size kids the minimum sheep dose is recommended.

Enterotoxemia (overeating disease)

Causes: Deadly organisms found in the environment and the digestive tract
associated with changes in feed, quantities of feed, accessibility new lush
areas for grazing, over eating by very hungry goats.

Treatment: For a presumptive diagnosis administer a large dose (40cc or more)
of clostridium perfringens c and d antitoxin at the onset of symptoms. If the
goat recovers, even briefly, you can assume that enterotoxemia is the correct
diagnosis and repeated doses of antitoxin every 4 to 8 hours may be necessary
to save the goat's life. A charcoal product such as universal antidote gel
administered in large doses may also be helpful.

Prevention: Follow a regular vaccination program. In addition, sensible feeding
practices are also essential. Avoid excess feeding of both kids and adults.
Make gradual changes in feed if necessary and gradual introduction to new lush
areas. Do not allow kids or adults to get overly hungry. Feed baby goats often
and adults at reasonable intervals to prevent excessive hunger and over eating.

Laminitis (Founder)

Causes: Inflammation of the tissue on the underside of the
hoof wall and sole of the front feet. Commonly seen at kidding, or as a result
of feed changes that bring on enterotoxemia, or after a bout with an infection
such as mastitis or pneumonia.

Symptoms: High temp (up to 107 degrees), laborious movement, especially getting
up and down. Feet feel hot to the touch and the goat will resort to "knee walking"
due to the acute discomfort of walking on their feet.

Treatment/Prevention: Caution must be taken to avoid excessive grain feeding
at kidding time and immediately after as this can trigger enterotoxemia followed
by "knee walking". Neglected hoof trimming where "snowshoe feet" are evidenced
will also result in laminitis. A round of antihistamines along with electrolyte
drenching as been seen to aid in treatment. After prolonged labor at kidding
time a series of biomycin injections (4cc every third day for 3 injections)
can help prevent the problem. Good herd management really goes a long way in
prevention: attention to feeding, hoof trimming and general attention to cleanliness.

Raising Healthy Kids

Prevent newborn "naval ill" but cutting umbilical cord about 6 inches
from the body, dipping completely in tincture of ioding and clamping off with
naval cord clamps.

Administer a 10 cc Sub Q injection of Goat Serum Concentrate or 5 cc of Bovi
Sera to provide the essential anti bodies the babies must have to build a strong
immune system.

Feed each kid a minimum of 10% of its body weight per day in milk.

When the kids are 3 days old give them a little bit of wormer (less then
half and adult dose). This eliminates any chance of worm problems with the
nursing
kids.

Allow the kids to sample a little hay and grainand wean them when they
are eating enough to start chewing their cud (around 3 months old).

For coccidiosis
prevent, starting at 3 weeks old, feed 1/2 cc of DiMethos 40% injectable (often
called "Albon" orally twice a day for one week,
then once a
week until weaned.

PRODUCTS

Free choice loose minerals: minerals that are formulated
just for goats are perfect for providing all necessary trace minerals, salt
and vitamins for strong bones and teeth and promote general good health. A
ratio of two parts calcium to one part phosphorous is best. Kelp is high in
iodine as well as other minerals and fiber. It can be offered free choice or
a small amount may be added to the grain every day. Rumin Buffered Bicarbonate
of Soda is of great benefit in maintaining pH balance in the rumen for good
digestion. It can be offered free choice. Mineral mix for sheep should not
be given to goats because it does not contain enough copper.

Goat Serum Concentrate - Protect your kids from the leading causes of newborn
disease and death. Also effective as a treatment for infections in adult goats
such as mastitis and shipping fever complex.

Bovi Sera - For use as an aid in the prevention and treatment of conditions
such as pneumonia and enterotoxemia, passive immune failure in newborns and
shipping fever complex. Especially helpful for weak newborns. Labeled for calves,
cattle and sheep. Cheaper to use then the Goat Serum Concentrate. Dosage of
10 cc sub-Q injection for adults and a 5 cc sub-Q injection for newborns.

Di-Methox 40% - Use as a preventative for coccidiosis. Start treatment at
three weeks of age, administer orally twice daily 1/2 cc for one week (14
doses total) and 1/2 cc dose once a week until weaned.

Di-Methox 12.5% - Five days of oral dosing with a mixture
of 1-1/2 tbsp of Di-Methox and 1-1/2 tbsp of water.

Toxic To Goats

Selenium can be toxic in excess quantities

Urea - sometimes found in commercial grain mixes. Urea is a synthetic
protein that is inaccessible and toxic to goats.

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